How long does a car battery last after a jump start?
It depends on the reason for the jump start. If the battery ran down to something like the headlights being left on, or alternator failure, the battery will only lose a few weeks of life out of what was remaining, which could be many years.
What should I do if my car battery dies?
If the battery was dead simply because you left the lights on, then it could be that there’s no problem at all. If the battery held a charge after being boosted, you may be okay for now. However, if the battery is several years old it may be time to get a new one. Winter is coming and you don’t want to find yourself stuck in the cold. Good luck.
Can a loose battery cable cause a car to die?
In my years as a mechanic, one thing I have learned is that an old battery or loose battery cables can cause really big problems that make it appear that something complicated is wrong with your vehicle.
Can a dead battery be charged by an alternator?
The idea that an alternator “can’t handle” charging a dead battery or that it can only put on a “surface charge” is nonsense. Alternators are inherently current-limited. They will happily put out that current until the battery is charged.
Can a car battery be too dead to jump start?
There is probably nothing worse than a dead car battery amid your possessions—at least, among your battery items, anyway. YES, a car battery can get so dead it will not receive a jump start anymore.
What to do if your car battery dies from sitting?
In the event your car battery dies from sitting too long, try jump-starting your car. This will usually get your car going again if your battery and vehicle are in relatively good condition. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time for a replacement battery. [5] Also check to see if there are any signs of a bad alternator.
Why does a car battery go dead when not in use?
[1] When your car is not in use, keeping a battery charged is difficult because the alternator doesn’t have the opportunity to do its job. The alternator is essentially a generator for your car’s electrical system.
How long does a car last after a jump start?
Every time he had the oil changed over the last year, the dealership would test the battery and the test showed the battery needed to be replaced. Even though it was fully-charged, it didn’t have the 750 cold cranking amps for which the battery was rated. It still had enough to turn over the engine, but it was definitely on it’s way out.